We use cookies on our website. To learn more about the cookies we use, please see our cookie policy. You can manage cookies via your browser settings. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
Accept and Close.

Assessment

2 Hours
Resit: By retaking the failed element (ie written assignment or examination or both, as applicable)

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Find, understand and apply the relevant law in order to solve problems. Evaluate and criticise the law and to be aware of the scope for reform.

Brief description

Criminal Law is a foundation subject, and must be studied and passed for the purpose of obtaining exemption from the first stage of professional law examinations. The study of the general principles underlying the criminal law forms an important part of any proper legal education. The course will not attempt to deal with all or even most of the specific offences known to English law. There are too many such offences. The emphasis is on the underlying principles. Can criminal liability be incurred without proof of fault or of criminal intent? Will a person be deemed to "intend" a consequence where he knew it to be an inevitable side effect of his intended behaviour? Can ignorance of the law ever amount to a defence? What if a person sets out to commit a certain crime, but abandons the idea before completing it? Although the emphasis is on general principles, these cannot be taught or understood without reference to specific offences, and a significant number of these offences will be studied in depth. Criminal law exposes students to complex problems of statutory interpretation, and requires the study of a great deal of case law, much of it contradictory and unsound. Students must be prepared to question and criticise the law, whilst at the same time attempting to understand it.

Aims

The aim of this module is to provide students with a proper understanding of the basic principles and objectives of English criminal law, and a working knowledge of a reasonably wide range of specific offences and defences.